Dr. Joel McDurmon | July 17, 2014
Flag, I have to admit I was reluctant. I don’t get excited about audio productions, or novels for that matter, so this was a tough sell for me from the start. But once I listened, and then studied the material, I now know why the producer persisted to prevail upon me. He “begged” me because he knew I would love it.
And he was right. Under Drake’s Flag is a top-notch production full of remarkable examples and lessons for young people—young men, especially. And now that I think about it, most adults I know can use these lessons, too. I am thoroughly impressed and glad I was implored to review this. Listen to this sample for yourself:
Podcast: Play in new window | (Duration: 1:01 — 956.4KB)
Under Drake’s Flag is a high-quality audio adaptation of G. A. Henty’s novel of the same title. This movie-quality “audio theater” is expertly produced with professional actors, state-of-the art sound design from award-winner Mark Drury (of The Chronicles of Narnia audio series), and an original music score by John Campbell (of Lamplighter Theatre, Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, and Adventures in Odyssey).
The story is compelling:
Ned Hawkshaw is about to take the greatest adventure a boy could ever imagine…with one of the most celebrated heroes in history—Sir Francis Drake! Ned fights off a shark attack, survives a shipwreck, engages in fierce battles on sea and land, and comes face to face with the Spanish Inquisition. Experience the swashbuckling tale that pits faith against fear, and helps Ned grow from a boy into a man. Live the Adventure and board The Golden Hinde for an epic quest of courage on the high seas!
After my own little conversion experience in regard to this audio drama, I can vouch that there is not a single word of exaggeration in any of this. Under Drake’s Flag is among the best of stories about one of the truest of heroes told by some of the best storytellers and engineered by some of the best audio and sound artists of our time. This is indeed a work of art.
But better yet, it is one Christians can embrace and employ in training young men in the virtues of Christian faith, honor, character, courage, perseverance, wisdom, and true manhood—all of which are openly portrayed and exemplified in the story, and done well in the name of Christ. And unlike too many attempts at Christian media and arts, the moral lessons here arise naturally from the story. Manliness is rightly exemplified and exalted, but not pumped up into false bravado and facade. Faith is foundational and explicit, but not unwieldy and awkwardly dominating the tone. Just as good as the level of professionalism in the production, the approach to teaching and persuasion is perfectly balanced and honoring to Christ in both principle and history.
This is a great teaching tool for families, private schools, and homeschools. Toward this end, the audio set comes with a small but quite substantial study guide. This includes thought-provoking studies for each chapter as well as three systematic studies each devoted to a major theme of the production: godly character, true manhood, and confessing Christ in the face of pressure and persecution. I can promise you I will have my sons listen and study this story, and probably dive even more deeply into the life and times of Francis Drake—and the advance of the Kingdom of God he desired—because of Under Drake’s Flag.
And one final note on the production: the introduction to “Prayer of Sir Francis Drake” is phenomenal and moving. “Disturb us, Lord. . . .” Yes, you can google it and find it on the web, but it’s incorporation into the story and production in Under Drake’s Flag is so powerful! It alone is worth the price of the product.
I liked this production so much I discussed it in person with the producer. I told him American Vision would be interested in carrying it. And for you, American Vision reader, I went even further. I was able to secure a special offer for readers of American Vision. The product normally sells for $29.95—for which I can guarantee you the production is worth every penny. But for you, I negotiated something better:
For the next 30 days, American Vision readers can use the special “Coupon Code” AV1 in order to save $10.00 and purchase the CD package for only $19.95.
MP3 downloads are also available also with the AV1 Coupon Code for only $10. With these, the study guide is also available as a PDF download, included in the price.
I can do no better than agree with the quotation above: “Experience the swashbuckling tale that pits faith against fear, and helps Ned grow from a boy into a man. Live the Adventure and board The Golden Hinde for an epic quest of courage on the high seas!”
Visit www.underdrakesflag.com and get yours today. I highly recommend it. In fact, I highly encourage you to do so now.